Sheffield bikers took part in the Big Ride event this weekend to call for ‘safe routes to town, safe routes to schools, safe high streets for all’.

The organisation, Cycle Sheffield wants a comprehensive and high-quality cycle network in the city so that all ages can safely enjoy cycling.

Environmental activist for Sheffield Environmental, Dave Dickinson, said: “In nine years of coming to these rides I’ve noticed a lot of changes for the better but they’re only limited, it could be a hell of a lot better. There’s so much more we can do.”

Organiser and rider, Roy Clutterbuck, said: “I’ve got a younger son, he’s one and here on the ride today.

“In eight years, when he’s by himself more, I hope that the city has got some more infrastructure in place, more bike lanes down the road, and that cycling is a more natural choice for him to get around the city.”

“I love cycling, I love being active. I much prefer it to being sat in my car.”

He added, “We need to do what we can to encourage other people and show them it is possible. So it’s really nice to turn out a moment of solidarity to see all the other cyclists that are in Sheffield.”

The riders departed from Devonshire Green at 11am on Saturday 27th April and took part in a slow loop around the city whilst parading flags, music and cheering.

Rider and marshal, Matilda Ashford, said: “There’s a general community atmosphere, it’s great to see loads of people out on their bikes together enjoying the cycling infrastructure that we have in Sheffield.

“It’s so important that when we have safe cycle routes, we enable more people to cycle, women and children especially. So it’s good that there are those options for people to have a low-carbon way to get around safely and not just sit in cars.”

Big Ride is an annual event which is accessible and family-friendly so that anyone in Sheffield can join in.

Mr Dickinson, addressing the public, said: “One, get a bike. Two, vote for people that guarantee that these changes take place. Three, join a group like Cycle Sheffield or any one of these local groups that are working to make Sheffield a cleaner, green place.”

Mr Clutterbuck, said: “There’s a lot in the media about the wars between cyclists and drivers but we’re all just humans living in Sheffield. I’m sure we all want to make the city a bit greener, we all want to make the air easier to breathe.

“I do drive as well, so there are a lot of people that cycle and drive. It doesn’t all have to be a conflict. We can all agree on things that are better for everyone.”

Cycle Sheffield’s vision includes protected spaces on main roads and through junctions, safe walking and cycling routes to schools, and lower speed limits.

Cllr Ben Miskell, who took part in the ride, said: “As a city we’re adopting a Vision Zero approach for safer streets and investing in infrastructure to encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling in Sheffield.”